What Is the Treatment for Toxoplasmosis?

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Although most healthy individuals do not require treatment for toxoplasmosis, those with symptoms of acute toxoplasmosis may be prescribed the folic acid antagonist pyrimethamine or the antibiotic sulfadiazine by a doctor. Pregnant women with toxoplasmosis whose fetuses are not infected may be prescribed spiramycin, and those whose fetuses are likely infected should take pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine and folic acid, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease resulting from an infection of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, one of the most common parasites in the world, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although most individuals never develop signs or symptoms, babies born with the disease may suffer serious complications due to compromised immune systems. When symptoms are present, they include fever, body aches, headaches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. Individuals with weakened immune systems may experience confusion, impaired coordination, seizures and lung problems. Babies are most at risk of contracting the infection if the mother is infected during the third trimester.

Individuals may contract the Toxoplasma gondii parasite when they come into contact with infected cat feces, eat or drink contaminated food or water, receive a transfusion with infected blood or eat unwashed produce. Mayo Clinic adds that cats are most likely to harbor the parasite if they hunt or eat red meat.